Split weld cage nut assembly

ABSTRACT

The invention provides a cage nut assembly having a nut member and a cage member. The nut has a threaded aperture therethrough. The cage is capable of encaging the nut such that the nut has a limited range of movement within the cage in at least one dimension. The cage has an aperture therein sized and located to allow access to the threaded aperture of the nut within the range of movement of the nut. The cage has a plurality of protrusions, such as dimples or tabs, extending therefrom. At least one of the protrusions is formed in halves which abut against one another to define a seam therebetween. The protrusions are capable of being welded to a mating surface to secure the cage to a mating surface, and, substantially contemporaneously, the halves of the at least one protrusion are capable of being welded together along the seam.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to a cage nut assembly, and morespecifically relates to a cage nut assembly which is configured suchthat it meets torque requirements while having a relatively thin wallthickness.

Cage nut assemblies are well known in the art and provide a usefulfunction in that they are able to hold a threaded nut at locations in aframe that are difficult or in some cases impossible to reach. Cage nutassemblies are used in vehicles for seat attachments, radiatorattachments, chassis to drive train attachments, and for any other nutapplication that requires the nut to have an “X” and “Y” axisadjustability.

Currently, the thickness of the cage in these cage nut assemblies isdetermined by the amount of torque that the part can handle as the cageis not a continuous 360 degree connection, meaning that there is aseam/gap in the cage. Thus, to prevent the gap from expanding, the cagemust have a material thickness which can take the full force of thetorque. If sufficient thickness is not used, during driving torque, thenut will push out the side walls of the cage (thereby causing the seamto expand) until the nut is free to spin, stopping the nut boltassembly. Thus, cage nut assemblies generally have cage walls which areexcessively thick, for instance, a thickness of 2.0 millimeters at aminimum, in order to meet torque requirements.

It would be advantageous to make a cage nut assembly which canaccommodate the required torque with a relatively thin cage wall. Itwould also be advantageous to make a cage nut assembly which can beutilized in any desired application which requires an “X” and “Y” axisadjustability.

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY

A primary object of an embodiment of the present invention is to providea cage nut assembly that has a relatively thin wall thickness, but whichmeets torque requirements in a desired application.

Another object of an embodiment of the present invention is to provide acage nut assembly which is relatively inexpensive to manufacture butwhich meets torque requirements in a desired application.

Another object of an embodiment of the present invention is to provide acage nut assembly which can be utilized in any nut application thatrequires the nut to have an “X” and “Y” axis adjustability.

Briefly, and in accordance with the foregoing, embodiments of thepresent invention provide a cage member for a cage nut assembly. Thecage member has protrusions stamped into the cage member material. Atleast one of the protrusions is formed in halves. These halves arestamped at the edge of the material exactly opposite of a mating half onthe other side. When the cage member is wrapped around to its finalposition, the two halves butt up against each other to mimic a fullprotrusion. The other protrusions are not placed on the cage seam. A nutis in the cage member when the final cage member bending operation buttsthe two cage edges against each other.

A cage member which is in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention can take many forms. For example, the cage member may haveflanges on the end thereof which allow access to a nut encaged withinthe cage member and to allow positioning of the nut after welding of thecage member to the mating surface. The cage member may wrap around andjoin together with a dove-tail interlocking system. The cage member mayprovide that the protrusion is not split into halves but rather isoff-set such that the protrusion is designed to interface with the wallof the cage member during the welding process.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The organization and manner of the structure and operation of theinvention, together with further objects and advantages thereof, maybest be understood by reference to the following description taken inconnection with the accompanying drawings wherein like referencenumerals identify like elements in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cage nut assembly which is inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the cage nut assembly shown in FIG. 1,where in FIG. 2, the cage nut assembly is rotated 180 degrees relativeto FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a nut member of the cage nut assemblyshown in FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a cage nut assembly which is inaccordance with a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the cage nut assembly shown in FIG. 4,where in FIG. 5, the cage nut assembly is rotated 180 degrees relativeto FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a nut member of the cage nut assemblyshown in FIGS. 4 and 5;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a cage nut assembly which is inaccordance with a third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the cage nut assembly shown in FIG. 7,where in FIG. 8, the cage nut assembly is rotated 180 degrees relativeto FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a nut member of the cage nut assemblyshown in FIGS. 7 and 8;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a cage nut assembly which is inaccordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the cage nut assembly shown in FIG. 10,where in FIG. 11, the cage nut assembly is rotated 180 degrees relativeto FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a nut member of the cage nut assemblyshown in FIGS. 10 and 11;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a cage nut assembly which is inaccordance with a fifth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a cage member of the cage nut assemblyshown in FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a nut member of the cage nut assemblyshown in FIG. 13;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a cage nut assembly which is inaccordance with a sixth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a cage member of the cage nut assemblyshown in FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a nut member of the cage nut assemblyshown in FIG. 16;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a cage nut assembly which is inaccordance with a seventh embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a cage member of the cage nut assemblyshown in FIG. 19;

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a nut member of the cage nut assemblyshown in FIG. 19;

FIG. 22 illustrates a method of attaching a cage member of the cage nutassembly shown in FIGS. 1, 4, 7, 10, 13 and 19 to a mating surface;

FIG. 23 illustrates a method of attaching a cage nut assembly shown inFIGS. 1, 4, 7, 10, 13 and 19 to a mating surface; and

FIG. 24 illustrates a method of attaching a cage nut assembly shown inFIG. 16 to a mating surface.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS

While this invention may be susceptible to embodiment in differentforms, specific embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawingsand will be described herein in detail with the understanding that thepresent disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of theprinciples of the invention, and is not intended to limit the inventionto that as illustrated.

The figures show several embodiments of the present invention. Eachembodiment provides a cage nut assembly 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600,700 which is configured such that it can have a cage member 104, 204,304, 404, 504, 604, 704 with a relatively thin wall thickness, yet meettorque requirements in a desired application. Each embodiment alsoprovides a cage nut assembly 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700 which isrelatively inexpensive to manufacture but which meets torquerequirements in a desired application. Further, each embodiment providesa cage nut assembly 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700 which can beutilized in any nut application that requires a nut member 102, 202,302, 402, 502, 602, 702 to have an “X” and “Y” axis adjustability.

A cage nut assembly 100 which is in accordance with a first embodimentof the present invention is shown in FIGS. 1-3; a cage nut assembly 200which is in accordance with a second embodiment of the present inventionis shown in FIGS. 4-6; a cage nut assembly 300 which is in accordancewith a third embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 7-9;a cage nut assembly 400 which is in accordance with a fourth embodimentof the present invention is shown in FIGS. 10-12; a cage nut assembly500 which is in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the presentinvention is shown in FIGS. 13-15; a cage nut assembly 600 which is inaccordance with a sixth embodiment of the present invention is shown inFIGS. 16-18; and a cage nut assembly 700 which is in accordance with aseventh embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 19-21.Like elements are denoted with like reference numerals with the firstembodiment being in the one hundreds, the second embodiment being in thetwo hundreds, the third embodiment being in the three hundreds, thefourth embodiment being in the four hundreds, the fifth embodiment beingin the five hundreds, the sixth embodiment being in the six hundreds,and the seventh embodiment being in the seven hundreds.

Attention is now directed to FIGS. 1-3 which illustrate a cage nutassembly 100 which is in accordance with a second embodiment of thepresent invention. The cage nut assembly 100 includes a nut member 102and a cage member 104.

The nut member 102 is best illustrated in FIG. 3 and includes arectangular block 106 having a generally planar upper surface 108, agenerally planar lower surface 110 and sidewalls 112 which connect theupper and lower surfaces 108, 110. The nut member 102 also includes acylindrical member 114 which extends outwardly from the upper surface108 of the nut member 102. The cylindrical member 114 is preferably inthe form of a right circular cylinder. An aperture 116 extends throughthe nut member 102 from the block 106 into the cylindrical member 114.The aperture 116 may be closed at the lower surface 110 of the block 106or it may extend all the way through the block 106. The aperture 116defines an aperture wall 118 which is preferably threaded and is capableof receiving a bolt or screw (now shown) to be attached thereto.

The cage member 104 is best illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. The cagemember 104 is used for encaging the nut member 102. Prior to encagingthe nut member 102, the cage member 104 has generally planar upper andlower surfaces 120, 122. The cage member 104 includes a base portion 124and bendable first and second arm portions 126, 128 extending fromopposite ends of the base portion 124. The first and second arm portions126, 128 are preferably integrally formed with the base portion 124.

An aperture 130 is provided through the base portion 124 of the cagemember 104 and the first and second arms 126, 128 have generallysemicircular cutouts 132, 134 at their free ends 136, 138.

The first and second arms 126, 128 have dimples 140, 142 provided on thelower surface 122 thereof which are formed from a stamping process andwhich extend outwardly from the lower surface 122 thereof. The dimples140, 142 are provided between the semicircular cutouts 132, 134 and theedges 144, 146 of the arms 126, 128.

The first and second arms 126, 128 have half-dimples 148, 150 providedon the lower surface 122 thereof at the free ends 136, 138 of the arms126, 128. The half-dimples 148, 150 are formed from a stamping processand extend outwardly from the lower surface 122 of the arms 126, 128.The half-dimples 148, 150 are provided between the semicircular cutouts132, 134 and the edges 152, 154 of the arms 126, 128.

In operation, the cylindrical member 114 of the nut member 102 ispositioned through the aperture 130 of the cage member 104 such that theupper surface 108 of the nut member 102 is abutted against the uppersurface 120 of the base portion 124 of the cage member 104. The firstand second arms 126, 128 are then bent around opposite sidewalls 110 ofthe nut member 102 and onto the lower surface 110 of the nut member 102to form the cage nut assembly 100.

The free ends 136, 138 of the arms 126, 128 then abut against oneanother such that the half-dimples 148, 150 abut against one another andthe semicircular cutouts 132, 134 are in communication with one anotherto form a circular cutout 156.

Because the arms 126, 128 abut at their free ends 136, 138, the cagemember 104 effectively encages the nut member 102. The cage member 104and the aperture 130 are sized so that the nut member 102 has a limitedrange of movement in at least one dimensions and preferably in twodimensions, for example the “X” and “Y” axes as illustrated in FIG. 2.The circular cutout 156 is provided in the cage member 104 to allowaccess to the aperture 116 of the nut member 102 through the lowersurface 110 thereof, within the range of movement of the nut member 102.

Once the cage nut assembly 100 is formed, the cage nut assembly 100 mustthen be attached to a mating surface 157. The cage nut assembly 100 ispositioned on the mating surface 157 such that the dimples 140, 142,148, 150 are in contact with the mating surface 157. The cage nutassembly 100 is then welded to the mating surface 157 with theassistance of the dimples 540, 542. During the welding, the free-ends136, 138 are welded together to form a welded seam 158. The half-dimples148, 150 also assist in the welding of the cage nut assembly 100 to themating surface 157 and are welded together to form a welded dimple 160.

Attention is now directed to FIGS. 4-6 which illustrate a cage nutassembly 200 which is in accordance with a second embodiment of thepresent invention. The cage nut assembly 200 includes a nut member 202and a cage member 204.

The nut member 202 is best illustrated in FIG. 6 and includes arectangular block 206 having a generally planar upper surface 208, agenerally planar lower surface 210 and sidewalls 212 which connect theupper and lower surfaces 208, 210. The nut member 202 also includes acylindrical member 214 which extends outwardly from the upper surface208 of the nut member 202. The cylindrical member 214 is preferably inthe form of a right circular cylinder. An aperture 216 extends throughthe nut member 202 from the block 206 into the cylindrical member 214.The aperture 216 may be closed at the lower surface 210 of the block 206or it may extend all the way through the block 206. The aperture 216defines an aperture wall 218 which is preferably threaded and is capableof receiving a bolt or screw (now shown) to be attached thereto.

The cage member 204 is best illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5. The cagemember 204 is used for encaging the nut member 202. Prior to encagingthe nut member 202, the cage member 204 has generally planar upper andlower surfaces 220, 222. The cage member 204 includes a base portion 224and bendable first and second arm portions 226, 228 extending fromopposite ends of the base portion 224. The first and second arm portions226, 228 are preferably integrally formed with the base portion 224.

An aperture 230 is provided through the base portion 224 of the cagemember 204 and the first and second arms 226, 228 have generallysemicircular cutouts 232, 234 at their free ends 236, 238.

The first and second arms 226, 228 have dimples 240, 242 provided on thelower surface 222 thereof which are formed from a stamping process andwhich extend outwardly from the lower surface 222 thereof. The dimples240, 242 are provided proximate to the semicircular cutouts 232, 234 andare provided equidistantly between the edges 244, 246 and the edges 252,254 of the arms 226, 228.

The first and second arms 226, 228 have half-dimples 248 a, 248 b; 250a, 250 b provided on the lower surface 222 thereof at the free ends 236,238 of the arms 236, 238. The half-dimples 248 a, 248 b; 250 a, 250 bare formed from a stamping process and extend outwardly from the lowersurface 222 of the arms 226, 228. The half-dimples 248 a, 250 a areprovided between the semicircular cutouts 232, 234 and the edges 244,246 of the arms 226. 228. The half-dimples 248 b, 250 b are providedbetween the semicircular cutouts 232, 234 and the edges 252, 254 of thearms 226, 228.

In operation, the cylindrical member 214 of the nut member 202 ispositioned through the aperture 230 of the cage member 204 such that theupper surface 208 of the nut member 202 is abutted against the uppersurface 220 of the base portion 224 of the cage member 204. The firstand second arms 226, 228 are then bent around opposite sidewalls 210 ofthe nut member 202 and onto the lower surface 210 of the nut member 202to form the cage nut assembly 200.

The free ends 236, 238 of the arms 226, 228 then abut against oneanother such that the half-dimples 148 a, 150 a abut against oneanother, the half-dimples 148 b, 150 b abut against one another, and thesemicircular cutouts 232, 234 are in communication with one another toform a circular cutout 256.

Because the arms 226, 228 abut at their free ends 236, 238, the cagemember 204 effectively encages the nut member 202. The cage member 204and the aperture 230 are sized so that the nut member 202 has a limitedrange of movement in at least one dimension, and preferably in twodimensions, for example the “X” and “Y” axes as illustrated in FIG. 4.The circular cutout 256 is provided in the cage member 204 to allowaccess to the aperture 216 of the nut member 202 through the lowersurface 210 thereof, within the range of movement of the nut member 202.

Once the cage nut assembly 200 is formed, the cage nut assembly 200 mustthen be attached to a mating surface 257. The cage nut assembly 200 ispositioned on the mating surface 257 such that the dimples 240, 242, 248a, 248 b, 250 a, 250 b are in contact with the mating surface 257. Thecage nut assembly 200 is then welded to the mating surface 257 with theassistance of the dimples 240, 242. During the welding, the free-ends236, 238 are welded together to form a welded seam 258. The half-dimples248 a, 250 a; 248 b, 250 b also assist in the welding of the cage nutassembly 200 to the mating surface 257 and the half-dimples 248 a, 250 aare welded together to form a welded dimple 260 a and the half-dimples248 b, 250 b are welded together to form a welded dimple 260 b.

Attention is now directed to FIGS. 7-9 which illustrate a cage nutassembly 300 which is in accordance with a second embodiment of thepresent invention. The cage nut assembly 300 includes a nut member 302and a cage member 304.

The nut member 302 is best illustrated in FIG. 9 and includes arectangular block 306 having a generally planar upper surface 308, agenerally planar lower surface 310 and sidewalls 312 which connect theupper and lower surfaces 308, 310. An aperture 316 extends through theblock 306 of the nut member 302. The aperture 316 may be closed at thelower surface 310 of the block 306 or it may extend all the way throughthe block 306. The aperture 316 defines an aperture wall 318 which ispreferably threaded and is capable of receiving a bolt or screw (nowshown) to be attached thereto.

The cage member 304 is best illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8. The cagemember 304 is used for encaging the nut member 302. Prior to encagingthe nut member 302, the cage member 304 has generally upper and lowersurfaces 320, 322. The cage member 304 includes a base portion 324 andbendable first and second arm portions 326, 328 extending from oppositeends of the base portion 324. The first and second arm portions 326, 328are preferably integrally formed with the base portion 324.

As best illustrated in FIG. 8, the cage member 304 further includes apair of L-shaped flanges 362, 364 which extend from opposite ends of thebase portion 324, but not the opposite ends from which the arm portions326, 328 extend from the base portion 324. The L-shaped flange 362 has afirst portion 366 which extends perpendicularly upwardly from the baseportion 324 proximate to the second arm portion 328, and a secondportion 368 which extends perpendicularly from the first portion 366toward the first arm portion 326. The L-shaped flange 364 has a firstportion 370 which extends perpendicularly outwardly from the baseportion 324 proximate to the first arm portion 326, and a second portion372 which extends perpendicularly from the first portion 370 toward thesecond arm portion 328. The L-shaped flange 364 is bendable. TheL-shaped flanges 362, 364 are preferably integrally formed with the baseportion 324 of the cage member 304.

An aperture 330 is provided through the base portion 324 of the cagemember 304 and the first and second arms 326, 328 have generallysemicircular cutouts 332, 334 at their free ends 336, 338.

The first and second arms 326, 328 have dimples 340, 342 provided on thelower surface 322 thereof which are formed from a stamping process andwhich extend outwardly from the lower surface 322 thereof. The dimples340, 342 are provided between the semicircular cutouts 332, 334 and theedges 344, 346 of the arms 326, 328.

The first and second arms 326, 328 have half-dimples 348, 350 providedon the lower surface 322 thereof at the free ends 336, 338 of the arms326, 328. The half-dimples 348, 350 are formed from a stamping processand extend outwardly from the lower surface 322 of the arms 326, 328.The half-dimples 348, 350 are provided between the semicircular cutouts332, 334 and the edges 352, 354 of the arms 326, 328.

In operation, the first and second arms 326, 328 are bent such that thefree ends 336, 338 of the arms 326, 328 abut against one another suchthat the half-dimples 348, 350 abut against one another and thesemicircular cutouts 332, 334 are in communication with one another toform a circular cutout 356.

The nut member 302 is then slid into the cage member 304 at the end ofthe cage member 304 where the L-shaped flange 364 is provided for suchthat the upper surface 108 of the nut member 302 is facing the uppersurface 320 of the base portion 324 of the cage member 304. The L-shapedflange 362 prevents the nut member 302 from sliding out of the cagemember 302. Once the nut member 302 is positioned within the cage member304, the L-shaped flange 364 is bent to prevent the nut member 302 fromsliding out of the cage member 302, thus effectively encaging the nutmember 302 within the cage member 304 and forming the cage nut assembly300, as best illustrated in FIG. 7.

The cage member 304 is sized so that the nut member 302 has a limitedrange of movement in at least one dimension, and preferably in twodimensions, for example the “X” and “Y” axes as illustrated in FIG. 7.The circular cutout 356 is provided in the cage member 304 to allowaccess to the aperture 316 of the nut member 302 through the lowersurface 310 thereof, within the range of movement of the nut member 302.

Once the cage nut assembly 300 is formed, the cage nut assembly 300 mustthen be attached to a mating surface 357. The cage nut assembly 300 ispositioned on the mating surface 357 such that the dimples 340, 342,348, 350 are in contact with the mating surface 357. The cage nutassembly 300 is then welded to the mating surface 357 with theassistance of the dimples 340, 342. During the welding, the free-ends336, 338 are welded together to form a welded seam 358. The half-dimples348, 350 also assist in the welding of the cage nut assembly 300 to themating surface 357 and are welded together to form a welded dimple 360.

It should be noted that the cage nut assembly 300 could also be formedto have four dimples, similar to that disclosed in the second embodimentof the cage nut assembly 200, rather than three dimples.

Attention is now directed to FIGS. 10-12 which illustrate a cage nutassembly 400 which is in accordance with a fourth embodiment of thepresent invention. The cage nut assembly 400 includes a nut member 402and a cage member 404.

The nut member 402 is best illustrated in FIG. 12 and includes arectangular block 406 having a generally planar upper surface 408, agenerally planar lower surface 410 and sidewalls 412 which connect theupper and lower surfaces 408, 410. The nut member 402 also includes acylindrical member 414 which extends outwardly from the upper surface408 of the nut member 402. The cylindrical member 414 is preferably inthe form of a right circular cylinder. An aperture 416 extends throughthe nut member 402 from the block 406 into the cylindrical member 414.The aperture 416 may be closed at the lower surface 410 of the block 406or it may extend all the way through the block 406. The aperture 416defines an aperture wall 418 which is preferably threaded and is capableof receiving a bolt or screw (now shown) to be attached thereto.

The cage member 404 is best illustrated in FIGS. 10-11. The cage member404 is used for encaging the nut member 402. Prior to encaging the nutmember 402, the cage member 404 has generally planar upper and lowersurfaces 420, 422. The cage member 404 includes a base portion 424 andbendable first and second arm portions 426, 428 extending from oppositeends of the base portion 424. The first and second arm portions 426, 428are preferably integrally formed with the base portion 424.

The cage member 404 further includes a pair of flanges 462, 464 whichextend from opposite ends of the base portion 424, but not the oppositeends from which the arm portions 426, 428 extend from the base portion424. The flange 462 extends perpendicularly upwardly from the baseportion 424 and extends substantially between the arm portions 426, 428.The flange 464 is L-shaped such that it has a first portion 470 whichextends perpendicularly outwardly from the base portion 424 proximate tothe first arm portion 426, and a second portion 472 which extendsperpendicularly from the first portion 470 toward the second arm portion428. The L-shaped flange 464 is bendable. The flanges 462, 464 arepreferably integrally formed with the base portion 424 of the cagemember 404.

An aperture 430 is provided through the base portion 424 of the cagemember 404 and the first and second arms 426, 428 have generallysemicircular cutouts 432, 434 at their free ends 436, 438.

The first and second arms 426, 428 have tabs 440, 442 provided on thelower surface 422 thereof which extend outwardly from the lower surface422 thereof. The tabs 440, 442 are provided between the semicircularcutouts 432, 434 and the edges 444, 446 of the arms 426, 428.

The first and second arms 426, 428 have half-tabs 448, 450 provided onthe lower surface 422 thereof at the free ends 436, 438 of the arms 426,428. The half-tabs 448, 450 extend outwardly from the lower surface 422of the arms 426, 428. The half-tabs 448, 450 are provided between thesemicircular cutouts 432, 434 and the edge 452, 454 of the arms 426,428.

In operation, the cylindrical member 414 of the nut member 402 ispositioned through the aperture 430 of the cage member 404 such that theupper surface 408 of the nut member 402 is abutted against the uppersurface 420 of the base portion 424 of the cage member 404. The firstand second arms 426, 428 are bended around opposite sidewalls 412 of thenut member 402 and onto the lower surface 410 of the nut member 402 toform the cage nut assembly 400.

The free ends 436, 438 of the arms 426, 428 then abut against oneanother such that the half-tabs 448, 450 abut against one another andthe semicircular cutouts 432, 434 are in communication with one anotherto form a circular cutout 456. The tabs 440, 442 extend outwardly fromthe lower surface 422 of the cage member 404 at the bend of the firstand second arms 426, 428 around the lower surface 410 of the nut member402 such that the tabs 440, 442 extend in an opposite direction as doesthe cylindrical member 414 of the nut member 402.

Because the arms 426, 428 abut at their free ends 436, 438, the cagemember 404 effectively encages the nut member 402. The cage member 404and the aperture 430 are sized so that the nut member 402 has a limitedrange of movement in at least one dimension, and preferably in threedimensions, for example the “X”, “Y” and “Z” axes as illustrated in FIG.11. The circular cutout 456 is provided in the cage member 404 to allowaccess to the aperture 416 of the nut member 402 through the lowersurface 410 thereof, within the range of movement of the nut member 402.

Once the cage nut assembly 400 is formed, the cage nut assembly 400 mustthen be attached to a mating surface 457. The cage nut assembly 400 ispositioned on the mating surface 457 such that the tabs 440, 442, 448,450 are in contact with the mating surface 457. The cage nut assembly400 is then welded to the mating surface 457 with the assistance of thetabs 440, 442. During the welding, the free-ends 436, 438 are weldedtogether to form a welded seam 458. The half-tabs 448, 450 also assistin the welding of the cage nut assembly 400 to the mating surface 457and are welded together to form a welded tab 460.

It should be noted that the nut member 402 could be formed without thecylindrical member 414 and the cage member 404 sized so that the nutmember 402 has a limited range of movement in at least one direction,and preferably in two dimensions, for example the “X” and “Y” axes asillustrated in FIG. 11.

It should further be noted that the cage nut assembly 400 could also beformed to have four tabs, similar to that disclosed in the secondembodiment of the cage nut assembly 200, except with dimples, ratherthan three tabs.

Attention is now directed to FIGS. 13-15 which illustrate a cage nutassembly 500 which is in accordance with a fifth embodiment of thepresent invention. The cage nut assembly 500 includes a nut member 502and a cage member 504.

The nut member 502 is best illustrated in FIG. 15 and includes arectangular block 506 having a generally planar upper surface 508, agenerally planar lower surface (not shown) and sidewalls 512 whichconnect the upper and lower surfaces 508. The nut member 502 alsoincludes a cylindrical member 514 which extends outwardly from the uppersurface 508 of the nut member 502. The cylindrical member 514 ispreferably in the form of a right circular cylinder. An aperture 516extends through the nut member 502 from the block 506 into thecylindrical member 514. The aperture 516 may be closed at the lowersurface 510 of the block 506 or it may extend all the way through theblock 506. The aperture 516 defines an aperture wall 518 which ispreferably threaded and is capable of receiving a bolt or screw (nowshown) to be attached thereto.

The cage member 504 is best illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14. The cagemember 504 is used for encaging the nut 502. Prior to encaging the nutmember 502, the cage member 504 is formed such that it has a firstsidewall 521 having top and bottom edges 523, 525 and first and secondside ends 527, 529.

The cage member 504 further is formed to include a second side wall 531having top and bottom edges 533, 535 and first and second side ends 537,539. The second side wall 531 is integrally formed with the first sidewall 521 such that the first side end 537 of the second side wall 531 isequivalent to the second side end 529 of the first side wall 521. Thesecond side wall 531 extends perpendicularly along the “X” axis, asillustrated in FIG. 13, from the first side wall 521. The bottom edge535 of the second side wall 531 is provided in the same plane as thebottom edge 525 of the first side wall 521; the top edge 533 of thesecond side wall 531 is provided in a different plane than the top edge535 of the first side wall 521.

The cage member 504 further is formed to include a third side wall 541having top and bottom edges 543, 545 and first and second side ends 547,549. The third side wall 541 is integrally formed with the second sidewall 531 such that the first side end 547 of the third side wall 541 isequivalent to the second side end 539 of the second side wall 531. Tilethird side wall 541 extends perpendicularly along the “Y” axis, asillustrated in FIG. 13, from the second side wall 531 such that thethird side wall 541 is parallel to the first side wall 521. The top andbottom edges 543, 545 of the third side wall 541 are provided in thesame plane as the top and bottom edges 523, 525 of the first side wall521.

The cage member 504 further is formed to include a fourth side wall 551having top and bottom edges 553, 555 and first and second side ends 557,559. The fourth side wall 551 is integrally formed with the third sidewall 541 such that the first side end 557 of the fourth side wall 551 isequivalent to the second side end 549 of the third side wall 541. Thefourth side wall 551 extends perpendicularly along the “X” axis, asillustrated in FIG. 13, from the third side wall 541 such that thefourth side wall 551 is parallel to the second side wall 531. The topand bottom edges 553, 555 of the fourth side wall 551 are provided inthe same plane as the top and bottom edges 523, 525 of the first sidewall 521. The second side end 559 of the fourth side wall 551 is alsoformed with a dove-tail pocket 561 provided therein.

The cage member 504 further includes a fifth side wall 563 having topand bottom edges 565, 567 and first and second side ends 569, 571. Thefifth side wall 563 is integrally formed with the first side wall 521such that the second side end 571 of the fifth side wall 563 isequivalent to the first side end 527 of the first side wall 521. Thefifth side wall 563 extends perpendicularly along the “X” axis, asillustrated in FIG. 13, from the first side wall 521 such that the fifthside wall 563 is parallel to the second side wall 531. The top andbottom edges 565, 567 of the fifth side wall 563 are provided in thesame plane as the top and bottom edges 523, 525 of the first side wall521. The first side end 569 of the fifth side wall 563 is also formedwith a dove-tail extension 573 provided thereon. The dove-tail extension573 is inserted into the dove-tail pocket 561 in order to lock thefourth side wall 551 to the fifth side wall 563 such that the secondside end 559 of the fourth side wall 551 abuts against the first sideend 569 of the fifth side wall 563. A seam 575 is provided between thesecond side end 559 of the fourth side wall 551 and the first side end569 of the fifth side wall 563.

A tab 540 is provided on the bottom edge 525 of the first side wall 521proximate to the connection of the first and second side walls 521, 531.A tab 542 is provided on the bottom edge 545 of the third side wall 541proximate to the connection of the second and third side walls 531, 541.A half tab 548 is provided on the bottom edge 555 of the fourth sidewall 551 proximate to the connection of the fourth and fifth side walls551, 563. A half tab 550 is provided on the bottom edge 567 of the fifthside wall 563 proximate to the connection of the fourth and fifth sidewalls 551, 563. The half tabs 548, 550 abut against one another suchthat the seam 575 is provided therebetween.

A first flap 577 extends from the top edge 523 of the first side wall521 and has a generally semicircular cutout 579 at its free end 581. Thefirst flap 577 is bendable. A second flap 583 extends from the top edge543 of the third side wall 541 and has a generally semicircular cutout585 at its free end 587. The second flap 583 is bendable. The first andsecond flaps 577, 583 are bent toward one another such that the freeends 581, 587 abut against one another and such that the semicircularcutouts 579, 585 are in communication with one another to form acircular cutout 589.

A window 591 is provided between the first, second and third side walls521, 531, 541 and the flaps 577, 583. A flange 593 covers a portion ofthe window 591 and extends from the connection of the second and thirdside walls 531, 541. The flange 593 is bendable.

The first side wall 521 also has a fold-out arm 595 provided thereonwhich is integrally formed with the first side wall 521 and ispositioned equidistant from the first and second side ends 527, 529 ofthe first side wall 521. The fold-out arm 595 is also bendable. Thethird side wall 541 also has a fold-out arm 597 provided thereon whichis integrally formed with the third side wall 541 and is positionedequidistantly from the first and second side ends 547, 549 of the thirdside wall 541. The fold out arm 597 is further bendable.

In operation, nut member 502 is positioned between the sidewalls 521,531, 541, 551, 563 of the cage member 504 such that the cylindricalmember 514 of the nut member 502 is positioned through the circularcutout 589 of the cage member 504. The fold-out arms 595. 597 are thenbended to abut against the lower surface 510 of the nut member 502 toform the cage nut assembly 500, such that the cage member 504effectively encages the nut member 502. The cage member 504 and thecircular cutout 589 are sized so that the nut member 502 has a limitedrange of movement in at least one dimension, and preferably in twodimensions, for example the “X” and “Y” axes as illustrated in FIG. 13.

Once the cage nut assembly 500 is formed, the cage nut assembly 500 mustthen be attached to a mating surface 557. The cage nut assembly 500 ispositioned on the mating surface 557 such that the tabs 540, 542, 548,550 are in contact with the mating surface 557. The cage nut assembly500 is then welded to the mating surface 557 with the assistance of thetabs 540, 542. During the welding, the fourth and fifth sidewalls 551,563 are welded together along the seam 575. The half-tabs 548, 550 alsoassist in the welding of the cage nut assembly 500 to the mating surface557 and are welded together to form a welded tab 560.

The window 591 acts as a nut member removal window for servicing the nutmember 502 if need be. The flange 593 acts to help retain the nut member502 within the cage member 504, but also can be bended outwardly toprovide access to the nut member 502 if the nut member 502 needs to beserviced.

It should be noted that the nut member 502 could be formed without thecylindrical member 514 and the cage member 504 sized so that the nutmember 502 has a limited range of movement in at least one direction,and preferably in two dimensions, for example the “X” and “Y” axes asillustrated in FIG. 13.

Attention is now directed to FIGS. 16-18 which illustrate a cage nutassembly 600 which is in accordance with a sixth embodiment of thepresent invention. The cage nut assembly 600 includes a nut member 602and a cage member 604.

The nut member 602 is best illustrated in FIG. 18 and includes arectangular block 606 having a generally planar upper surface 608, agenerally planar lower surface 610 and sidewalls 612 which connect theupper and lower surfaces 608, 610. The nut member 602 also includes acylindrical member 614 which extends outwardly from the upper surface608 of the nut member 602. The cylindrical member 614 is preferably inthe form of a right circular cylinder. An aperture 616 extends throughthe nut member 602 from the block 606 into the cylindrical member 614.The aperture 616 may be closed at the lower surface 610 of the block 606or it may extend all the way through the block 606. The aperture 616defines an aperture wall 618 which is preferably threaded and is capableof receiving a bolt or screw (now shown) to be attached thereto.

The cage member 604 is best illustrated in FIGS. 16-17. The cage member604 is used for encaging the nut 602. Prior to encaging the nut member602, the cage member 604 is formed such that it has a first sidewall 621having top and bottom edges 623, 625 and first and second side ends 627,629.

The cage member 604 further is formed to include a second side wall 631having top and bottom edges 633, 635 and first and second side ends 637,639. The second side wall 631 is integrally formed with the first sidewall 621 such that the first side end 637 of the second side wall 631 isequivalent to the second side end 629 of the first side wall 621. Thesecond side wall 631 extends perpendicularly along the “X” axis, asillustrated in FIG. 16, from the first side wall 621. The bottom edge636 of the second side wall 631 is provided in the same plane as thebottom edge 625 of the first side wall 621; the top edge 633 of thesecond side wall 631 is provided in a different plane than the top edge623 of the first side wall 621.

The cage member 604 further is formed to include a third side wall 641having top and bottom edges 643, 645 and first and second side ends 647,649. The third side wall 641 is integrally formed with the second sidewall 631 such that the first side end 647 of the third side wall 641 isequivalent to the second side end 639 of the second side wall 631. Thethird side wall 641 extends perpendicularly along the “Y” axis, asillustrated in FIG. 16, from the second side wall 631 such that thethird side wall 641 is parallel to the first side wall 621. The top andbottom edges 643, 645 of the third side wall 641 are provided in thesame plane as the top and bottom edges 623, 625 of the first side wall621.

The cage member 604 further is formed to include a fourth side wall 651having top and bottom edges 653, 655 and first and second side ends 657,659. The fourth side wall 651 is integrally formed with the third sidewall 641 such that the first side end 657 of the fourth side wall 651 isequivalent to the second side end 649 of the third side wall 641. Thefourth side wall 651 extends perpendicularly along the “X” axis, asillustrated in FIG. 16, from the third side wall 641 such that thefourth side wall 651 is parallel to the second side wall 631. The topand bottom edges 653, 655 of the fourth side wall 651 are provided inthe same plane as the top and bottom edges 623, 625 of the first sidewall 621. The second side end 659 of the fourth side wall 651 is alsoformed with a dove-tail pocket 661 provided therein.

The cage member 604 further includes a fifth side wall 663 having topand bottom edges 665, 667 and first and second side ends 669, 671. Thefifth side wall 663 is integrally formed with the first side wall 621such that the second side end 671 of the fifth side wall 663 isequivalent to the first side end 627 of the first side wall 621. Thefifth side wall 663 extends perpendicularly along the “X” axis, asillustrated in FIG. 16, from the first side wall 621 such that the fifthside wall 663 is parallel to the second side wall 631. The top andbottom edges 665, 667 of the fifth side wall 663 are provided in thesame plane as the top and bottom edges 623, 625 of the first side wall621. The first side end 669 of the fifth side wall 663 is also formedwith a dove-tail extension 673 provided thereon. The dove-tail extension673 is inserted into the dove-tail pocket 661 in order to lock thefourth side wall 651 to the fifth side wall 663 such that the secondside end 659 of the fourth side wall 651 abuts against the first sideend 669 of the fifth side wall 663. A seam 675 is provided between thesecond side end 659 of the fourth side wall 651 and the first side end669 of the fifth side wall 663.

A tab 640 is provided on the bottom edge 625 of the first side wall 621proximate to the connection of the first and second side walls 621, 631.A tab 642 is provided on the bottom edge 645 of the third side wall 641proximate to the connection of the second and third side walls 631, 641.A tab 699 is provided on the bottom edge 667 of the fifth side wall 663proximate to the connection of the fourth and fifth side walls 651, 663.The tab 699 abuts against the bottom edge 655 of the fourth side wall651 proximate to the connection of the fourth and fifth side walls 651,663 such that the seam 675 is provided therebetween.

A first flap 677 extends from the top edge 623 of the first side wall621 and has a generally semicircular cutout 679 at its free end 681. Thefirst flap 677 is bendable. A second flap 683 extends from the top edge643 of the third side wall 641 and has a generally semicircular cutout685 at its free end 687. The second flap 683 is bendable. The first andsecond flaps 677, 683 are bent toward one another such that the freeends 681, 687 abut against one another and such that the semicircularcutouts 679, 685 are in communication with one another to form acircular cutout 689.

A window 691 is provided between the first, second and third side walls621, 631, 641 and the flaps 677, 683. A flange 693 covers a portion ofthe window 691 and extends from the connection of the second and thirdside walls 631, 641. The flange 693 is bendable.

The first side wall 621 also has a fold-out arm 695 provided thereonwhich is integrally formed with the first side wall 621 and ispositioned equidistant from the first and second side ends 627, 629 ofthe first side wall 621. The fold-out arm 695 is also bendable. Thethird side wall 641 also has a fold-out arm 697 provided thereon whichis integrally formed with the third side wall 641 and is positionedequidistantly from the first and second side ends 647, 649 of the thirdside wall 641. The fold out arm 697 is further bendable.

In operation, nut member 602 is positioned between the sidewalls 621,631, 641, 651, 663 of the cage member 604 such that the cylindricalmember 614 of the nut member 602 is positioned through the circularcutout 689 of the cage member 604. The fold-out arms 695, 697 are thenbended to abut against the lower surface 610 of the nut member 602 toform the cage nut assembly 600, such that the cage member 604effectively encages the nut member 602. The cage member 604 and thecircular cutout 689 are sized so that the nut member 602 has a limitedrange of movement in at least one dimension, and preferably in twodimensions, for example the “X” and “Y” axes as illustrated in FIG. 16.

Once the cage nut assembly 600 is formed, the cage nut assembly 600 mustthen be attached to a mating surface 657. The cage nut assembly 600 ispositioned on the mating surface 657 such that the tabs 640, 642, 699are in contact with the mating surface 657. The cage nut assembly 600 isthen welded to the mating surface 657 with the assistance of the tabs640, 642. During the welding, the fourth and fifth sidewalls 651, 663are welded together along the seam 675. The tab 699 also assists in thewelding of the cage nut assembly 600 to the mating surface 657 and iswelded to the bottom surface 655 of the fourth side wall 651 to form awelded tab 660.

The window 691 acts as a nut member removal window for servicing the nutmember 602 if need be. The flange 693 acts to help retain the nut member602 within the cage member 604, but also can be bended outwardly toprovide access to the nut member 602 if the nut member 602 needs to beserviced.

It should be noted that the nut member 602 could be formed without thecylindrical member 614 and the cage member 604 sized so that the nutmember 602 has a limited range of movement in at least one direction,and preferably in two dimensions, for example the “X” and “Y” axes asillustrated in FIG. 16.

Attention is now directed to FIGS. 19-21 which illustrate a cage nutassembly 700 which is in accordance with a seventh embodiment of thepresent invention. The cage nut assembly 700 includes a nut member 702and a cage member 704.

The nut member 702 is best illustrated in FIG. 21 and includes arectangular block 706 having a generally planar upper surface 708, agenerally planar lower surface (not shown) and sidewalls 712 whichconnect the upper and lower surfaces 708. An aperture 716 extendsthrough the block 706 of the nut member 702. The aperture 716 may beclosed at the lower surface 710 of the block 706 or it may extend allthe way through the block 706. The aperture 716 defines an aperture wall718 which is preferably threaded and is capable of receiving a bolt orscrew (now shown) to be attached thereto.

The cage member 704 is best illustrated in FIGS. 19-20. The cage member704 is used for encaging the nut 702. Prior to encaging the nut member702, the cage member 704 is formed such that it has a first sidewall 721having top and bottom edges 723, 725 and first and second sides 727,729.

The cage member 704 further is formed to include a second side wall 731having top and bottom edges 733, 735 and first and second side ends 737,739. The second side wall 731 is integrally formed with the first sidewall 721 such that the first side end 737 of the second side wall 731 isequivalent to the second side end 729 of the first side wall 721. Thesecond side wall 731 extends perpendicularly along the “X” axis, asillustrated in FIG. 21, from the first side wall 721. The bottom edge735 of the second side wall 731 is provided in the same plane as thebottom edge 725 of the first side wall 721; the top edge 733 of thesecond side wall 731 is provided in a different plane than the top edge722 of the first side wall 721.

The cage member 704 further is formed to include a third side wall 741having top and bottom edges 743, 745 and first and second side ends 747,749. The third side wall 741 is integrally formed with the second sidewall 731 such that the first side end 747 of the third side wall 741 isequivalent to the second side end 739 of the second side wall 731. Thethird side wall 741 extends perpendicularly along the “Y” axis, asillustrated in FIG. 19, from the second side wall 731 such that thethird side wall 741 is parallel to the first side wall 721. The top andbottom edges 743, 745 of the third side wall 741 are provided in thesame plane as the top and bottom edges 723, 725 of the first side wall721.

The cage member 704 further is formed to include a fourth side wall 751having top and bottom edges 753, 755 and first and second side ends 757,759. The fourth side wall 751 is integrally formed with the third sidewall 741 such that the first side end 757 of the fourth side wall 751 isequivalent to the second side end 749 of the third side wall 741. Thefourth side wall 751 extends perpendicularly along the “X” axis, asillustrated in FIG. 19, from the third side wall 741 such that thefourth side wall 751 is parallel to the second side wall 731. The topand bottom edges 753, 755 of the fourth side wall 751 are provided inthe same plane as the top and bottom edges 723, 725 of the first sidewall 721. The second side end 759 of the fourth side wall 751 is alsoformed with a dove-tail pocket 761 provided therein.

The cage member 704 further includes a fifth side wall 763 having topand bottom edges 765, 767 and first and second side ends 769, 771. Thefifth side wall 763 is integrally formed with the first side wall 721such that the second side end 771 of the fifth side wall 763 isequivalent to the first side end 727 of the first side wall 721. Thefifth side wall 763 extends perpendicularly along the “X” axis, asillustrated in FIG. 19, from the first side wall 721 such that the fifthside wall 763 is parallel to the second side wall 731. The top andbottom edges 765, 767 of the fifth side wall 763 are provided in thesame plane as the top and bottom edges 723, 725 of the first side wall721. The first side end 769 of the fifth side wall 763 is also formedwith a dove-tail extension 773 provided thereon. The dove-tail extension773 is inserted into the dove-tail pocket 761 in order to lock thefourth side wall 751 to the fifth side wall 763 such that the secondside end 759 of the fourth side wall 751 abuts against the first sideend 769 of the fifth side wall 763. A seam 775 is provided between thesecond side end 759 of the fourth side wall 751 and the first side end769 of the fifth side wall 763.

A tab 740 is provided on the bottom edge 725 of the first side wall 721proximate to the connection of the first and second side walls 721, 731.A tab 742 is provided on the bottom edge 745 of the third side wall 741proximate to the connection of the second and third side walls 731, 741.A half tab 748 is provided on the bottom edge 755 of the fourth sidewall 751 proximate to the connection of the fourth and fifth side walls751, 763. A half tab 750 is provided on the bottom edge 767 of the fifthside wall 763 proximate to the connection of the fourth and fifth sidewalls 751, 763. The half tabs 748, 750 abut against one another suchthat the seam 775 is provided therebetween.

A first flap 777 extends from the top edge 723 of the first side wall721 and has a generally semicircular cutout 779 at its free end 781. Thefirst flap 777 is bendable. A second flap 783 extends from the top edge743 of the third side wall 741 and has a generally semicircular cutout785 at its free end 787. The second flap 783 is bendable. The first andsecond flaps 777, 783 are bent toward one another such that the freeends 781, 787 abut against one another and such that the semicircularcutouts 779, 785 are in communication with one another to form acircular cutout 789.

A third flap 778 extends from the bottom edge 725 of the first side wall721 and has a generally semicircular cutout 780 at its free end 782. Thethird flap 778 is bendable. A fourth flap 784 extends from the bottomedge 745 of the third side wall 741 and has a generally semicircularcutout 786 at its free end 788. The fourth flap 784 is bendable. Thethird and fourth flaps 778, 784 are bent toward one another such thatthe free ends 782, 788 abut against one another and such that thesemicircular cutouts 780, 786 are in communication with one another toform a circular cutout 790.

A window 791 is provided between the first, second and third side wall721, 731, 741 and the flaps 777, 783, 778, 784. A flange 793 covers aportion of the window 791 and extends from the connection of the secondand third side walls 731, 741. The flange 793 is bendable.

In operation, the nut member 702 is slid into the cage member 704through the window 791 such that the nut member 702 is positionedbetween the sidewalls 721, 731, 741, 751, 763 and the flaps 777, 783,778, 784, and such that the aperture 716 of the nut member 718 isaccessible through either of the circular cutouts 789, 790. The flange793 is then bended to be positioned parallel with the second side wall731 in order to cover a portion of the window 791 and to help retain thenut member 702 within the cage member 704. The cage member 704effectively encages the nut member 702 and is sized so that the nutmember 702 has a limited range of movement in at least one dimension,and preferably in two dimensions, for example the “X” and “Y” axes asillustrated in FIG. 19.

Once the cage nut assembly 700 is formed, the cage nut assembly 700 mustthen be attached to a mating surface 757. The cage nut assembly 700 ispositioned on the mating surface 757 such that the tabs 740, 742, 748,750 are in contact with the mating surface 757. The cage nut assembly700 is then welded to the mating surface 757 with the assistance of thetabs 740, 742. During the welding, the fourth and fifth sidewalls 751,763 are welded together along the seam 775. The half-tabs 748, 750 alsoassist in the welding of the cage nut assembly 700 to the mating surface757 and are welded together to form a welded tab 760.

The window 791 acts as a nut member removal window for servicing the nutmember 702 if need be. The flange 793 can be bended outwardly to provideaccess to the nut member 702 if the nut member 702 needs to be serviced.

Thus, the welding of the cage nut assemblies 100, 200, 300, 400, 500,600, 700 to the mating surface 157, 257, 357, 457, 557, 657, 757provides a 4-sided continuous box, because of the welded seams 158, 258,358, 458, 558, 658, 758, and the welded dimples and tabs 160, 260, 360,460, 560, 660, 760, which has improved strength characteristics incomparison to cage nut assemblies of the prior art. Because the cage nutassemblies 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700 has improved strengthcharacteristics, the cage nut assemblies 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600,700 can be formed with material that is formed with a maximum thicknessof 1.8 millimeters whereas the prior art cage nut assemblies were formedwith a minimum thickness of 2.0 millimeters. Thus, the cage nutassemblies 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700 provides for at least a 10%decrease in the thickness of the material used to form the cage nutassemblies 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, such that substantialsavings in cost are realized in the manufacture of the cage nutassemblies 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700.

FIG. 22 illustrates a method of attaching the cage member 104, 204, 304,404, 504 and 704 to the mating surface 157, 257, 357, 457, 557, 757.FIG. 23 illustrates a method of attaching the cage nut assembly 100,200, 300, 400, 500 and 700 to the mating surface 157, 257, 357, 457,557, 757. FIG. 24 illustrates a method of attaching the cage nutassembly 600 to the mating surface 657.

Thus, the figures show several embodiments and methods of the presentinvention. Each embodiment provides a cage nut assembly 100, 200, 300,400, 500, 600, 700 which is configured such that it can have a cagemember 104, 204, 304, 404, 504, 604, 704 with a relatively thin wallthickness, yet meet torque requirements in a desired application. Eachembodiment also provides a cage nut assembly 100, 200, 300, 400, 500,600, 700 which is relatively inexpensive to manufacture but which meetstorque requirements in a desired application. Further, each embodimentprovides a cage nut assembly 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700 which canbe utilized in any nut application that requires a nut member 102, 202,302, 402, 502, 602, 702 to have an “X” and “Y” axis adjustability.

While several specific embodiments of the present invention are shownand described, it is envisioned that those skilled in the art may devisevarious modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of theforegoing description.

The invention is claimed as follows:
 1. A cage member engageable with anut member having a threaded aperture, thereby providing a cage nutassembly, said cage member comprising a body configured to encage thenut member and having an aperture formed therein, said apertureconfigured to allow access to the threaded aperture of the nut memberwhen the nut member is generally encaged by said cage member, said bodydefining a seam and having at least one protrusion, said protrusionbeing formed in halves which abut against one another such that saidseam is provided therebetween, said protrusion configured to providethat said protrusion is weldable to a mating surface to secure said cagemember to the mating surface, and, substantially contemporaneously, saidhalves of said protrusion configured to provide that said halves areweldable to one another along said seam.
 2. A cage member as defined inclaim 1, wherein said body defines three protrusions with one of saidthree protrusions being formed in halves which abut against one another.3. A cage member as defined in claim 2, wherein each of said protrusionsare formed as dimples.
 4. A cage member as defined in claim 2, whereineach of said protrusions are formed as tabs.
 5. A cage member as definedin claim 1, wherein said body defines four protrusions with two of saidfour protrusions being formed in halves which abut against one another.6. A cage member as defined in claim 5, wherein each of said protrusionsare formed as dimples.
 7. A cage member as defined in claim 1, whereinsaid body has a base portion configured to support the nut member and apair of arms extending from opposite ends of said base portion which areconfigured to bend around the nut member to encage the nut member, saidaperture of said body being provided through said base portion thereof,each said arm having a free end, each said arm having said halves ofsaid at least one protrusion provided thereon which abut against oneanother to provide said seam therebetween, said seam further beingprovided between said free ends of said arms.
 8. A cage member asdefined in claim 7, wherein flange members extend from opposite ends ofsaid base portion between said arms toward said seam, at least one ofsaid flange members being bendable, said flange members configured tolimit a range of movement of the nut member when the nut member isencaged within the cage member.
 9. A cage member as defined in claim 1,wherein said body has a plurality of sidewalls which are integrallyformed, two of said sidewalls having free ends which abut against oneanother and which have said halves of said at least one protrusionextending therefrom along said free ends such that said seam is providedbetween said halves of said at least one protrusion and between saidfree ends of said two sidewalls.
 10. A cage member as defined in claim9, wherein one of said sidewalls having a free end has a dove-tailpocket provided therein and wherein said other one of said sidewallshaving a free-end has a dove-tail extension provided thereon which iscapable of being positioned within said dove-tail pocket to interlocksaid two sidewalls together.
 11. A cage member as defined in claim 9,wherein two of said sidewalls have flaps extending therefrom having freeends thereon which abut against one another, each said flap havingsemicircular cutouts at said free ends thereof which are incommunication with one another to form a circular cutout.
 12. A cagemember as defined in claim 9, wherein a nut servicing window is providedproximate to one of said sidewalls and wherein a flange is providedwhich covers a portion of said window and which is bendable to allowaccess to the nut member when the nut member is encaged within said cagemember.
 13. A cage member as defined in claim 9, wherein two of saidsidewalls have foldable arms extending therefrom which are configured tofold around a lower surface of the nut member to support the nut memberwhen the nut member is encaged within said cage member.
 14. A cage nutassembly comprising: a nut member having a threaded aperturetherethrough; and a cage member having a body configured to encage saidnut member and having an aperture formed therein, said apertureconfigured to allow access to said threaded aperture of said nut memberwhen said nut member is generally encaged by said cage member, said bodydefining a seam and having at least one protrusion, said protrusionbeing formed in halves which abut against one another such that saidseam is provided therebetween, said protrusion configured to providethat said protrusion is weldable to a mating surface to secure said cagemember to the mating surface, and, substantially contemporaneously, saidhalves of said protrusion configured to provide that said halves areweldable to one another along said seam.
 15. A cage nut assembly asdefined in claim 14, wherein said body of said cage member has aplurality of sidewalls which are integrally formed, two of saidsidewalls having free ends which abut against one another to providesaid seam therebetween, one of said protrusions being formed on an edgeof one of said two sidewalls at said free end thereof such that said oneprotrusion overlaps onto an edge of said other of said two sidewalls atsaid free end thereof.
 16. A method of attaching a cage member of a cagenut assembly to a mating surface, said method comprising the steps of:a) providing said cage member, said cage member having a body configuredto allow access to a threaded aperture of a nut member when the nutmember is generally encaged by said cage member, said body defining aseam and having at least one protrusion said protrusion being formed inhalves which abut against one another such that said seam is providedtherebetween; b) positioning said protrusions of said cage member on themating surface; c) welding said protrusion to the mating surface suchthat said halves of said protrusion are welded together along said seam.17. A method of attaching a cage nut assembly to a mating surface, saidmethod comprising the steps of: a) providing a nut member and a cagemember, said cage member having a body defining a seam and at least oneprotrusion which is formed in halves along said seam; b) encaging saidnut member within said cage member to form said cage nut assembly suchthat said nut member has a limited range of movement within said cagemember in at least one direction; c) positioning said protrusion of saidcage member on the mating surface; d) welding said protrusion to themating surface such that said halves of said protrusion are weldedtogether along said seam.
 18. A method of attaching a cage nut assemblyto a mating surface, said method comprising the steps of: a) providing anut member and a cage member, said cage member having a body defining aseam and at least one protrusion which overlaps a portion of said cagemember and provides said seam therebetween; b) encaging said nut memberwithin said cage member to form said cage nut assembly such that saidnut member has a limited range of movement within said cage member in atleast one direction; c) positioning said protrusion of said cage memberon the mating surface; d) welding said protrusion to the mating surfacesuch that said overlapping protrusion is welded to said portion of saidcage member along said seam.